2028 Olympic Qualifiers: Alozie, Kanu Fire Super Falcons to Victory Over Comoros

The Super Falcons began their quest for a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games with a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the first leg of their second-round African qualifying tie at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Friday.

Nigeria struggled to break down their opponents in the first half but improved after the interval, with Michelle Alozie and Uchenna Kanu scoring to give interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen’s side an important advantage ahead of the return leg.

The teams went into the break goalless despite Nigeria enjoying the greater share of possession and creating several opportunities.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade came close to opening the scoring in the 26th minute when her effort struck the woodwork, while Alozie and Kanu also threatened the Comoros defence.

The breakthrough finally arrived three minutes into the second half.

Gift Monday brought the ball down for Alozie, who finished confidently to put the Super Falcons ahead in the 48th minute.

Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 60th minute when Kanu headed home from a corner delivered by Jennifer Echegini, giving the African giants a more comfortable cushion.

The Super Falcons maintained their lead until the final whistle to secure a two-goal victory in their opening Olympic qualifying fixture.

The result gives Nigeria a valuable advantage ahead of the return leg, scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at the same venue in Ikenne.

Although Comoros are the designated home side for the first encounter, both matches are being played in Nigeria because the island nation does not have a suitable, CAF-approved stadium for international fixtures.

The Super Falcons will aim to build on their first-leg performance and complete the job in the return encounter as they pursue a second consecutive appearance at the Olympic Games.

Nigeria returned to the women’s Olympic football tournament at Paris 2024 after missing three successive editions and will be eager to secure another place at Los Angeles 2028.

The winner of the Nigeria-Comoros tie will advance to the next stage of the African qualifying competition, where Morocco await following the withdrawal of the Republic of the Congo.

The Super Falcons must progress through the remaining qualifying rounds to secure one of Africa’s two available places in the women’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games.

For Eguavoen and his players, Friday’s victory represents an encouraging start, but the team must maintain its concentration in the second leg to keep its Olympic ambitions on track.

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